It will soon be possible to complete your studies with a final internship instead of a thesis.

University students will now be able to complete their studies with a final internship instead of writing a thesis. This was reported by the Teraz.sk portal in connection with the new law on universities, which will come into effect on September 1. Universities are already actively preparing for these changes.

More flexibility for students

The final internship should enable students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired directly in practice, in a workplace corresponding to their study program. Its implementation must be approved by the university and will be completed by a defense at a state exam – just as with a traditional final thesis.

According to information provided by the Teraz.sk portal, the Student Council of Universities expects that final internships may increase the motivation of students, especially those who work alongside their studies or are specifically preparing for a particular profession.

In bachelor's degree programs (with the exception of professionally oriented programs), a final thesis or final internship will no longer be automatically mandatory. The specific form of completion of studies will be decided by the university according to the nature of the study program.

UCM responds to practical needs

The University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava plans to implement these changes as soon as possible. Students will have to complete a specified minimum number of hours during their internship. The quality of the work performed and the internship summary submitted will be evaluated.​​​​​​​

The university will also provide internships through contractual partners from the field, although the number of places may be limited. At the same time, it remains open to individual initiatives – students will be able to submit their own workplace proposals, which are subject to approval by the university.

„If appropriate, it will be necessary to sign a contract for the final internship, whereby the company undertakes to cooperate not only in the implementation of the internship, but also in its evaluation," Andrej Brník, Vice-Rector for Development and Public Relations at UCM, told Teraz.sk.

The new model for completing studies offers the advantage of more intensive contact with practice and better preparation for the labor market. It also responds to dynamic changes in society, including the development of artificial intelligence, and strengthens the link between higher education and the real needs of the market.